David Lidington
@DLidington
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Chair @rusi_org , @conseurope , UK chair #K önigswinter & #AuroraForum Ex Cabinet & MP david.r.lidington @gmail .com
Princes Risborough, England
Joined February 2012
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Erm, the Implementation Period is actually part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It's in Part 4 of the Agreement, articles 126 to 132. No Deal exit = no Withdrawal Agreement = no Implementation Period.
“You disaggregate the elements of the otherwise defunct Withdrawal Agreement.. You reserve the payment of the £39b.. That is in the context of the Free Trade Agreement, that we’ll negotiate in the implementation period, after we’ve come out on Oct 31st”
@BorisJohnson
#BackBoris
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In 1972 Ted Heath's govt gave refuge to 28 k ppl of Indian descent expelled from Uganda by Amin. Heath's decision was hugely controversial but those refugees made massive positive contribution to UK life. Hope our govt now will match Heath's sense of duty & generosity of spirit
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I've seen no evidence of the courts getting involved in politics but rather English & Scottish courts grappling with important legal/constitutional questions referred to them by UK citizens- and coming to different reasoned judgements.
“The more the courts get involved in politics that is of detriment not only to politics but also the courts”
Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng says judges involved with decisions on
#Brexit
are not biased, but says they are “interfering”
#AndrewNeilShow
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Govt's Integrated Review, pub 2021 with PM foreword, rightly hailed UK as "soft power superpower", due to strengths inc "The BBC is the most trusted broadcaster worldwide, reaching 468m people every week, in 42 languages"(p 9) Best to strengthen & reform, not denigrate & weaken
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In the light of comments today just reposting this of Maidan, Kyiv, 5 December 2013: I think Ukrainians understand fully that the EU (flaws & all) is a democratic project (one 🇺🇦 wants to join) and Putin's Russia is not.
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Thoughts & thanks to the civil servants who'll be working all night to prepare options to put to Ministers for decision at
#Cobra
tomorrow.
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Sadly, this or something like it was an inevitable consequence of unilateral action to rip up a treaty (let alone a treaty the same UK govt negotiated & claimed as a diplomatic triumph)
"2 years ago we made a promise to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
We are determined to break it."
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This is nonsense. Three of the four named worked for me when I was a Minister. They gave me candid advice (& not always what I wanted to hear) but were scrupulous in trying their best to deliver on whatever decisions elected Ministers eventually made.
Labour call the deep state a "conspiracy theory" and "disinformation". The only trouble is the UK does have a deep state desperately waiting to serve Labour. Look at Sue Gray, Matthew Rycroft, Antonia Romeo, Simon MacDonald etc. Since when was disagreement "disinformation"?
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The most shocking element of this is that Mr Farage, in denouncing NATO expansion, shows no awareness or sympathy for the fact that the new democracies of Central Europe ardently pressed to join NATO as security against the risk of renewed Russian aggression & imperialism
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This decision seems both morally wrong & against UK interests. Surely those accepted onto
#Chevening
will be at particular risk from Taliban & among "brightest & best" whom our government rightly wants to attract to UK. Hope
@BorisJohnson
&
@DominicRaab
will review urgently
Deeply disappointing to hear - on top of everything - that Afghans who received Scholarships from the UK government to study in the UK this year have now been told they will not be granted visas due to "administration issues". Surely someone can sort this out?
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Differences between Cons, Lab & SNP over Gaza are tiny. A great pity the respective Whips offices couldn't put their heads together to craft a motion that all could support. Raucous squabbles and faux outrage over Commons procedure make us look like an unserious country
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I wrote to
@BorisJohnson
yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well & to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on. I shall leave the govt when
@theresa_may
offers her resignation to The Queen.
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A reminder that for all its faults, flaws & misjudgements
#BBC
& esp
@bbcworldservice
&
@BBCWorld
is seen globally as bastion of editorial independence from state: loathed by autocrats like Lukashenko & followed by their citizens for that reason.
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I’m shocked that
@spectator
published this. A serious lapse of judgement. Mr Liddle ‘s foul comment isn’t a just some bad joke to be dismissed. What’s he saying to British Muslims in our armed forces, police, NHS, schools, factories etc etc?
#disgusting
This is appalling in the
@spectator
by Rod Liddle.
His suggestions are that Muslims should be unable to vote. What do we call that - Outright prejudice.
This in 2019, when 3 Muslims have been murdered since 2013 for being - British Muslims.
Despicable.
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I agree 100% with
@HarrietHarman
on this. Threats, harassment & abuse are driving decent people out of politics & deterring others from getting involved. Affects colleagues of all parties.
When are we going to wake-up to what’s going on here? Caroline Spelman, elected, thoroughly decent, hard-working MP driven out of Parlt. We can’t stand by while MPs driven out or retreat behind security gates?
@HumanRightsCtte
report soon
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I hope Ministers have assessed very carefully whether they are happy that these new powers to sidestep the need for primary legislation could also be used by a future government of a different political party
"Asserting the sovereignty of Parliament" by transferring law-making powers from Parliament to ministers.
This govt consistently represents "parliamentary sovereignty" as a power source, to be wielded by ministers, not as something to be exercised by and in Parliament itself.
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Never seen criticism by any Select Cttee as ferocious as this from FCDO Cttee today. Deeply shocking - & saddening as I know from experience the dedication, professionalism & sheer hard work of our diplomats. Govt shld respond fully & in detail
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Fully support
@RobertBuckland
on this. Our liberties rely on Rule of Law & independent judiciary.
Our judges are renowned around the world for their excellence and impartiality and I have total confidence in their independence in every case.
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@JulianSmithUK
is right.. and there are many, many paid-up members of
@Conservatives
who agree. The hallmark of a confident & mature democracy is the ability to disagree strongly about ideas & policy while still respecting the integrity of your political opponents
What happened to Keir Starmer tonight outside parliament is appalling. It is really important for our democracy & for his security that the false Savile slurs made against him are withdrawn in full.
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Pretty much sums it up.
If you want the economic policies of Liz Truss and the pro-Putin policies of Jeremy Corbyn, vote Reform.
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This issue goes beyond party politics. Any reasonable Conservative shld be able to endorse
@YvetteCooperMP
call to include Afghans hired by UK govt contractors in
#Arap
scheme. Esp as
@DFID_UK
now
@FCDOGovUK
routinely use contractors to deliver programmes
ARAP (Afghan Relocation & Assistance Policy) focuses on staff directly employed by UK Govt/armed forces but not those employed through aid & security contracts with UK agencies. Yet Taleban don’t recognise complexities of contracting out. Those brave workers are also at risk./3
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Reports of aid for 🇺🇦being blocked by UK customs. Sincerely hope that UK Ministers &
@HMRCgovuk
@HMRCpressoffice
will sort this out rapidly
@RishiSunak
@JimHarraHMRC
Vans are now being turned away at dover docks carrying aid for minimal value on commercial invoices - by the BRITS - not the french . They are enforcing the law 101% on humanitarian aid . Miffed and dumbfounded is an understatement
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I've written for
@reactionlife
on why international law matters and govt should think again. It's both a moral question & a matter of defending UK interests - we rely on treaties for our security, trade deals, protecting endangered species & much more.
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Oh please- the United Kingdom flags are flying to mark tomorrow's State Opening of the United Kingdom Parliament! Always happens. I wish people on both wings of the Brexit would stop seeing plots where none exist
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This by
@HeleneBismarck
is right. I don't think 27 EU MS want to consider UK rejoining at least unless or until there is a clear political consensus in UK across mainstream political parties in support. They've moved on, regret UK decision but dealing with world as it is
People who expect or dread (depending on their outlook) that 🇬🇧 will rejoin the EU soon as a result of this week‘s political turmoil are deluded.
This moment may lead to a sober discussion about the consequences of Brexit &future relations with the EU.
That is a real shift.
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As judges aren't allowed to answer back, glad
@TomTugendhat
is rebutting this contemptible attack
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Bit of personal news. Delighted to have been asked to serve as UK Chair of
#K
önigswinter. Look fwd to working with both UK & German colleagues to strengthen & deepen the bilateral relationship between our two countries.
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From the until v recently Justice Minister - & he's right. Any Conservative MPs tempted by this campaign against the Cttee shld ponder why they didn't vote against the inquiry & how they'd react if a future Labour govt tried to scrap a similar investigation into a Lab Minister
If Mr Johnson remains an MP, he’s subject to “the same rules as everyone else” – a basic principle of the rule of law and good governance. For Conservatives, that should be self-evident. If the PM (and some others) had abided by that principle, he wouldn’t have had to resign.
/1
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Delighted & honoured to be elected chair of
@RUSI_org
at today's AGM. It's a big challenge to follow
@WilliamJHague
in that role but hugely excited to be lead a first-class team of research & operational staff in a time when UK & West face major security challenges
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Only this May, PM attended Council of Europe summit
#Reykjavik
& with other heads of state & govt signed declaration expressing "deep & abiding commitment" to ECHR & Ct of Human Rts and "binding obligation" to respect judgments of the Court. h/t
@patricklohlein
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Whatever view you take on Brexit or on No Deal this is an accurate account of how the Commission and Member States see the WA/backstop. Have heard same message from Ministers & officials in 27.
1/ I've done this before but on a day like today it's worth remembering the striking difference in the way the EU and UK see the backstop. From the Brussels furnace, based on convos with officials/diplomats, the EU perspective (not advocating either way just reporting as ever).
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I agree with
@GavinBarwell
about the future trend in UK opinion. Even now, we've had 2 yrs of polls showing c 60% now believe with hindsight that Brexit has harmed the country. But I'm more cautious about likelihood of rejoining -at least any time soon. Several reasons:🧵 1/12
After the election, the Conservative Party is going to have to face this reality
I know it will be both painful and difficult - most current Conservative voters don't want to rejoin - but it is very clear how public opinion is going to evolve given this demographic skew
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Huge thanks to the civil servants
@cabinetofficeuk
whom I've had the privilege to lead. The impartiality & professionalism of the civil service is one of the great strengths of our constitution. As is readiness of Ministers to encourage candid even when unwelcome, advice.
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Yesterday 15 December marked the 27th anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration. It took great political courage for John Major & Albert Reynolds to take those first steps in the peace process. Both leaders deserve their place in history.
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This clash between Indian and Chinese troops is getting scant coverage in Western media but could have very serious geopolitical consequences.
That is crazy. No shots fired for 45 years, and then at least 20 soldiers dead in one evening in rock-throwing and bludgeoning.
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I am pleased & relieved that
@BorisJohnson
& our govt have listened re
#Chevening
scholars & hope that even now those young men & women will be able to reach UK safely
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Paul, It's appalling but all too common. As a society we need to reassert the truth that almost everyone in politics, locally or nationally, gets involved to make life better for people. You can disagree fiercely on policy but accept your opponent's integrity & good faith.
Just bumped into an MP in floods of tears and distress about the sheer volume of abuse she's had this week. Hundreds of messages including "you stupid fat bitch."
If this is you, then just know that you pollute our politics and make it a misery - that isn't how you get good MPs.
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I served 14 yrs
@HouseofCommons
with
@MrTCHarris
. He was Labour through & through: old-style, patriotic, pro-defence, Unionist Labour (not like Corbyn's Labour). Him urging other decent Labour supporters to now back
@ScotTories
is massive step.
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Honoured & delighted to be appointed Lord Chancellor & SofS Justice.
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After more than two decades of collective responsibility I'm now relishing the prospect of speaking & campaigning freely for the things that matter to me & to my constituents.
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Today's agreement is a good compromise. The 52% get control of laws, money, borders + out of CFP; the 48% get closer trade partnership with EU than Canada or any advanced economy + cooperation on police & security. Time for country to come together &
#BackTheBrexitDeal
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Entire
@HouseofCommons
united in thanks to our police & security staff today and heartfelt sympathy for those who were injured or bereaved
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Perseverance,attention to detail & evident wish to work constructively with EU rather than pick fights have enabled PM
@RishiSunak
to secure a deal better than I thought possible. He & his team deserve enormous credit & support from all wings of
@Conservatives
party & beyond
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Really hope
@FCDOGovUK
doesn't pick a fight on this. Diplomatic status for EU missions doesn't trouble our 5 eyes or Commonwealth friends. And non-recog cld set bad precedent for regimes that hate EU Ambassadors speaking up for human rights defenders.
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Robert Rhodes James (MP for Cambridge 1976-92) told me of a constituent who said "I voted Conservative once, in 1919, because they promised to hang the Kaiser. And they broke their promise, & I've never voted Constituency since".
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👇Interesting & important thread. Much of focus of No Deal debate is on tariffs but impact on data transfer is massively important for many UK businesses.
Now that a ‘No Deal’
#Brexit
is looking like the most likely outcome, I would (again) bang the drum for how this is really bad news for anyone who moves data btwn the UK & EU, and vice versa.
Here’s why:
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Exactly! That's why it is a moral as well as a geopolitical misjudgement for usually sensible and moderate leaders & commentators in the West to be musing aloud about territorial concessions
This is what I don’t get about those calling for the Ukrainians publicly to cede lots of territory. At best that land will see brutal ethnic cleansing, and possibly mass murder on an epic scale. The Ukrainians on that territory will be wiped out. They are calling for this.
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Letter today from NHS inviting me to book vaccination appointments. Took 5 minutes to book both dates online. A simple, easy-to-use system even for someone like me who is no IT wizard.
#impressed
@nadhimzahawi
@MattHancock
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Today I asked Attorney General
@Geoffrey_Cox
to endorse our independent Judicial Appointments Commission. Heartened that he did so. Partisan political interference in appointing judges would be dangerous step.
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This is very depressing. Understand financial pressures on
@BBC
bosses but wonder how much this really saves: radio usually much cheaper to produce than TV. Great shame some of my political colleagues don't get importance of BBC as national institution & asset for 🇬🇧 soft power
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Very sorry to learn of the death of my constituent Lord Carrington, former Defence and Foreign Secretary & last surviving member of Churchill's post-war govt. His career was given to public service. My deep sympathy to his family. 1/2
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Not always seen eye to eye with
@BorisJohnson
on international affairs but think he's made the right call on
@FCO
@DFID_UK
merger. It's not scrapping or diluting UK aid programme but integrating different but complementary elements of UK policy in one organisation
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Whether the UK's interests would be best served by rejoining the EU Single Market is important- but the answer is more nuanced than some (with whom I agree on the principle that we need to to improve relations with the EU) make out. So, a few thoughts
The "outside the Single Market" is, however, the idiotic bit.
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Afraid Lord Moylan is mistaken. Far from no parliamentary scrutiny, Council of Europe was debated in -ahem-
@UKHouseofLords
on 28 April this year, in
@HouseofCommons
on 8 June & came up in NI context on 27 Feb when PM said (col 594) "the UK is & will remain a member of the ECHR"
@DLidington
@patricklohlein
This is one of the problems. Someone goes off to an international event, makes a statement to fit the moment and then we’re all expected to treat it as a binding commitment, with no Parliamentary scrutiny or democratic assent.
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Very honoured to be nominated as Chair of
@RUSI_org
in the formidable footsteps of
@WilliamJHague
. Greatly looking forward to working with
@kvonhippel
@JEyal_RUSI
& the tremendous team there.
RUSI is delighted to announce that former senior Cabinet Minister,
@DLidington
, is set to be named in July as the next Chair of the Royal United Services Institute. Find out more about our next chair here:
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As Lord Chancellor, I approved the JAC recommendations to appoint Lord Burnett as LCJ, Bs Hale as Supreme Ct President & various other senior judges. I did so with no knowledge of the candidates' political views or whether they even voted. 1/4
The account in the video of how a Chief Justice is appointed is extremely misleading. You’d be forgiven for thinking Pt 2 of the Judicial Appointment Regulations 2013 simply doesn’t exist and that the Lord Chancellor somehow handpicks someone without an independent process first.
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In the face of terrorism & sectarian hatreds John Hume stood unflinchingly for democratic politics & civil rights. His physical & moral courage were extraordinary & his life's work helped bring about a N Ireland where families can live in peace & hope for a shared society
#RIP
‘I never thought in terms of being a leader. I thought very simply in terms of helping people’.
Nobel Laureate and former SDLP Leader John Hume passed away last night. We all live in the Ireland he imagined - at peace and free to decide our own destiny.
Thank you, John.
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A symbolic moment of reconciliation. President
#Steinmeier
of Germany lays a wreath at the Cenotaph at this morning's Remembrance ceremony in London
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It is unfortunate that Mr Maugham should make insinuations against a senior judge. All this does is embolden those on the extreme Right and Left who want to politicise judicial appointments- a step that would seriously damage the rule of law & public confidence in the courts 4/4
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I remember my old boss Douglas Hurd on this during the Thatcher govt c35 yrs ago. Someone argued against a policy on grounds the press would hate it. Hurd replied "We decide first what policy is best for the national interest & afterwards how best to present it to the media".
Following polls too closely can turn you into a follower. If too many politicians do it, they vacate the space for political leadership, leaving a gap for exploitation by social influencers
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Pleased that
@number10gov
has been clear today about backing judicial independence. About time some of my hon friends thought about this 👇
Every time an English Conservative questions the impartiality of judges on the basis that they are Scots, the Conservatives lose more votes, and seats, in Scotland and the Union cracks further.
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I don't agree with everything in
@lewis_goodall
thread 👇but he's on the button about gravity & urgency of the challenge to the Union & need for Unionists (in all political parties) to do some rapid, serious & creative thinking.
See the unionist problem here? Everytime I've interviewed young voters in Scotland and asked them if they're in favour of independence, they look at me as if I've asked a stupid question. Westminster needs to think v big and v hard about this and there's little evidence of that.
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So pleased & heartened to see the Northern Ireland political parties moving towards restoring devolution. Huge credit to
@JulianSmithUK
&
@simoncoveney
for their patience & persistence over many months. This is good news for all communities in all parts of these islands.
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Oh dear 🤦♂️. The fact that🇺🇲🇳🇴🇨🇦 had already signed up to this programme might hint that it is not some nightmare project to undermine NATO but a sensible, pragmatic means to improve military planning & logistics among democracies
Is Rishi really a secret Remainer? We need to support NATO not the EU undermining NATO.
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Troubling analysis by
@HansardSociety
: govt wants to give itself wide new powers to legislate by regulation rather than Bill, with minimal scrutiny by Parlt. (My ex-colleagues shld note these powers cld also be used by a future govt of different pol party & diff views on NIP)
So, we’ve had an initial look at the delegated powers in the
#NorthernIrelandProtocol
Bill. In short, they are quite breathtaking. 🧵
#NIProtocol
#NIP
1/
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In more than 20 years working with
@theresa_may
in both govt & opposition I've got to know a woman whose view of politics is rooted in in her heartfelt commitment to public service and her belief in the union of the United Kingdom.
#ThankYouAndRespect
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Deeply sorry at the death of James Brokenshire. A great colleague in Parliament & government: committed to public service,always trying to solve problems & make life better for his country & constituency. And he had so much more to give. Heartfelt sympathy to Cathy & the family
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@pmdfoster
@guardian
Peter, I know no case in my time where a Minister or SpAd was *on*/*member of* a scientific advisory group. That's what I was asked. But am & was also clear that can see case for officials, SpAds, to attend, take notes, ask questions to prepare Ministers ahead of SAGE advice
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So sad to learn of death of Cheryl Gillan. My constituency neighbour & friend for almost 28 yrs - & I couldn't have had better. A formidable champion for Chesham & Amersham and for Buckinghamshire. She will be hugely missed. RIP
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A calm, sensible & measured response from
@10DowningStreet
Update from No10 spox: “The UK Government is urgently seeking an explanation from the European Commission about the statements issued by the EU today and assurances as to its intentions.” 1/
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This issue deserves a much higher priority than it usually gets in
@HouseofCommons
or the media. It should be unconscionable for any govt to leave part of our country facing the potential crisis of No Deal without proper governance.
.
@Jess_Sargeant
and I have been looking at the consequences of a lack of government in Northern Ireland for new
@instituteforgov
report
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Sympathy & solidarity to our friends in
#Germany
from all in
#Koenigswinter
UK at the appalling loss of life and damage to communities caused by floods
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Agree or disagree with Lord Frost, Art 16 does not actually provide for the wholesale suspension of NIP - as this from
@instituteforgov
explains
NEW: Northern Ireland Brexit row escalated as Lord Frost warns the EU the UK will not be shy in triggering Article 16.
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@GavinBarwell
@PlasFron
@jillongovt
Unionist opposition to the NIP was known when PM signed it. It was referred to in Parliamentary debates in late 2019. In 2020 the government took its Bill ratifying the Protocol through Parliament using 3 line whip & guillotined debate in the face of DUP opposition.
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IMO the very last thing our country needs is greater political influence over the choice of judges. The situation in the US should serve as a warning, not an example to follow
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Chair of NI Select Cttee is right on this.
If we’re in no Deal territory & if Stormont isn’t restored by 31/10, Northern Ireland’s Civil Servants won’t be able to take any initiative to deal with/off-set a no deal issues. I am yet to be persuaded that proroguing Parliament is of any assistance to NI & public service
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Agree. I remember first security briefing as a Minister & shock at what a hostile state could do to my mobile without my knowledge. Any Minister has to work on assumption that personal phone is insecure & be cautious in what they say even on official mobiles
Can testify that Ben certainly knows his stuff. All together once again: “don’t use your personal phone for government business”. (And I’d argue if you’re a very senior minister for any business you’d rather adversaries didn’t know about)
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Welcome, but nothing like enough: UK govt shld (1)suspend visa requirements for Ukrainians (2) offer settlement without strings to 🇺🇦 spouses & dependents of 🇬🇧 citizens (3) open legal asylum route for 🇺🇦 refugees
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Good to see politics conducted in this way. Others, on all sides, please do likewise
An easy mistake to make.
Jon and I don’t always agree, but he’s a good person and has my full respect.
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Regrettable decision by
@ESRC
which they should reconsider.
@UKandEU
@anandMenon1
have applied calm analysis to the most contentious issue in UK politics. They've given Leavers & Remainers alike the chance to speak & reflect, and they've always been led by the evidence
End of an era. Gutted to have to announce this today. Proud of what
@UKandEU
has achieved and very grateful to all those who have worked with us
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Well said
@JulianSmithUK
. And also need to remind ourselves that upholding BA/GFA & supporting peace & reconciliation within NI, between NI & Ireland and London/Dublin is profoundly in national interest of entire UK.
Great news for Northern Ireland
@JoeBiden
@SenKamalaHarris
&
@TheDemocrats
played key role in pushing for restoration of the NI assembly & executive last January & consistently stand up for protection of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement
@SpeakerPelosi
@NealForCongress
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This is excellent news for UK universities & PM's broader ambitions for the success of UK science & technology.
#WindsorFramework
starting to unlock other benefits for UK.
BREAKING: EU to start ratification of the UK's associate membership of Horizon Europe.
UK had been blocked from the science programme in a tit for tat row over NI protocol.
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This too would have been inconceivable only a relatively few years ago.
Taoiseach
@MichealMartinTD
joins
@DUPleader
and NIO minister Robin Walker for Remembrance Sunday in Enniskillen.
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Now that UK & Irish Ministers won't be seeing each other week by week at EU Council meetings it should be a priority for both govts to establish new arrangements for bilateral cooperation. Important for security but also for broader political relationship.
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Congratulations to President
@EmmanuelMacron
on his reelection. Hope very much that leaders in both 🇬🇧 & 🇨🇵 will commit themselves to strengthen our bilateral cooperation & the unity of all democracies in Europe in face of the threats we face in common
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This brought tears to my eyes. The courage of these young Belarusians is astonishing.
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Jeremy Heywood was a great civil servant. He put his intellect, professionalism & charm at the service of Ministers of all parties & was never afraid to give honest even if unwelcome advice. Thoughts, prayers & heartfelt sympathy to his family.
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A remarkable letter from David Trimble - even more so when he like every leading Unionist had lived under personal threat of IRA killing & had seen friends murdered & maimed. True statesmanship.
Re-read this today. With thanks to
@EamonnMallie
for highlighting it again on our timelines during these growing tense moments in history. It’s is David Trimble’s Letter to a Dying Martin McGuinness. This is what true leadership, humanity, and a man who wanted peace looks like 🕊️
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Wholeheartedly agree with
@PM4EastRen
. In my experience almost everybody in politics hot involved in order to make life better for the people we serve. We can disagree profoundly about how that's done but should respect motivation & honest differences of opinion
"Surrender", "betrayal", "coup", "fascist", "dictator", "traitor", "quisling", "Nazis". Could go on.
Silly, needless, pathetic language that fans flames, sows division and takes us no further forward.
All sides need to self-reflect and tone it down. Prime Minister included.
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@RobDotHutton
@MattChorley
@TimesRadio
Yes. PM & Chief Whip wld normally be told if Minister had done something wrong & wld decide what if any action was merited. Ultimately decision wld be one for PM. No civil servant has the authority to discipline let alone sack a Minister
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As
@AlexGAThomas
says, "a short-term & counterproductive decision". I'd add "very foolish". As a Minister I found it improved policy making & implementation to have super-bright young officials around the table who'd challenge Dept's orthodoxy & present fresh thinking
So the fast stream is cancelled “for at least a year”… I’m quoted in this story about what seems like a very short term and counter-productive decision
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I remember going to Berlin as a schoolboy & being utterly horrified by the Wall, the barbed wire, the minefields, no man's land - the sheer brutality of the city's division. It all looked so permanent & implacable. Its fall in 1989 seemed like a miracle.
An incredibly moving experience. Seeing the division of Europe that had been there since before my birth crumbling away was I think the most joyful set of events in international relations that I have ever witnessed.
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Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Article 168 (3): "The Union and the Member States shall foster cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the sphere of public health". Seems a pretty good principle.
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Unreservedly agree with
@JamesCleverly
. Important for all leaders on democratic Right to make clear our revulsion at the actions of extreme Right thugs, give full support to police, CPS & courts, and stand united with Starmer govt in defending the rule of law.
There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behavior like this.
This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.
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They were astonishing & awe-inspiring events. A year before almost no-one would have predicted that 1990 would see 🇩🇪 peacefully reunited & free and the whole country in both NATO & EU. 30 yrs on we should celebrate with our German friends.
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And ideas now being debated within EU about aquis being applicable in stages (cherry-picking !) to new members (Ukraine, Moldova etc ) might conceivably mean the evolution of a more flexible, pluralist Union where UK might be more comfortable. 12/12
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